a hotspot south of Jakarta for oenophiles and gourmets
Tucked away at the end of a long corridor with cafes and restaurants outdoors Cilandak Town Square (aka citos) is an expansive bottle shop and full service restaurant aptly named W & S (Wine & Spirits). The moment you enter the space, it is as if you have entered Jakarta decision on the foodie mecca Dean and Deluca, but in this case, for all things related wines and spirits. The smooth lines and white walls of tiles are still strangely reminiscent of the eponymous deli providers, and offer a very conducive atmosphere for browsing slowly vast retail collection of bottles. It is the place of destination for oenophiles grass and urban hip in South Jakarta.
W & S citos
For many who are uninitiated in the wine, the selection of a bottle for a group can be a little intimidating for most institutions. Whether you need entry level Chilean red pair with burgers from the kitchen or select a beautiful 2008 mature Barolo to savor slowly during the evening at W & S, there is a wide range of wines from around the world to accommodate all palaces and opportunities. And if you still do not know what to buy after spending a good 30 minutes of browsing, there are wine experts who can help you decide. However, if the wine is not your thing and you prefer to have cocktails, there is a full bar and spirits on offer. Whiskey, scotch and bourbon all have a strong presence in the bottle store. Enter the room Products Limited and the person with the largest expense account there is a nice bottle of Bunnahabhain Single Malt Scotch Whisky XXV waiting to be snapped up.
Do not let me scare you, though, with my statement of costs and rare accounts (in Jakarta) Islay whiskey. The best aspect of the bottle shop is its relatively affordable price. A bottle of Pinot Black Beringer Founder's Estate 2012 is Rp.450,000, which for most of us to Jakarta, is a relative bargain compared to other drinkable Pinot Noir. However, if you really want my opinion on the matter,
I suggest above 2008 Beni di Barolo Batasiolo Briccolina at the higher price point; ask staff to decant the bottle and enjoy it with only the best of friends. - Good wine should never be wasted on people whose company you do not like
And what better way to shower your friends and family with your appreciation with a basket -cadeau filled with a bottle of fine wine or two, with wine glasses, chocolate, nuts or anything that you can include.
W & S available a wide selection of wines
Another interesting aspect of W & S is their flexibility. You can buy bottles for consumption on site, at home, and bottles can even be delivered to your office or home if you're on the run time before your next big party dinner. For the under-age and alcohol, there are refreshing mocktails that are as pretty to look at as they are to drink.
If you choose to dine at the W & S, the head Budiawan Arnold has created a menu based on the food of American comfort. The fried Dory and Rotisserie Chicken is tasty; together a juicy chicken can feed a group of four and is accompanied by a couple of side dishes. Tip: coupling roast chicken with a bottle of fresh well 2014 New Zealand Babich Chardonnay. The head Budiawan had extensive cooking experience in the US, with stays in Vegas, Washington DC and Los Angeles, and his menu reflects that time spent in these great American food centers.
W & S Rotisserie Chicken
For special occasions and private parties, the staff is extremely helpful in drawing menu of Rp.175,000-250,000 and make selections of wines to suit your preferences. W & S also holds special events once a month which often involve dinner with wine pairings and brand ambassadors who showcase their products, most recently with the popular California Beringer label.
Afternoons are peaceful and quiet, with the main dining room an environment for business meetings or family meals quietly. The evenings are another matter. Happy hour consists of beer and specialty cocktails, but 20 hours rolling, the resident DJ takes relay Wednesday to Saturday evening and turns airs in the wee hours of the morning to the young and beautiful. Every Thursday night, W & S is also home to The Parade, a live band that plays Top 40 tunes.
Overall, W & S caters to a poorly diversified customer who really love their wine and cocktails. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and willing to work with customers, whether a single bottle purchase or creating a menu for a private event. There is nothing that comes close in South Jakarta to W & S in terms of ambience, service and selection of the bottle, but this should not come as a surprise, because it was born of the same people who own and operate Bluegrass Bar and Grill.
W & S
Bottle Shop-Eatery
Cilandak Town Square GF-D048
Jalan TB. Simatupang Kav. 17
Jakarta 12430
Phone: .62 (021) 7592 0249
Instagram: @wineandspiritsjkt
.: WineandSpiritsJakarta